Creole Chicken, Greens and Barley

WhiskingWings's Note:

A spicy, savoury twist on healthy ingredients! Chicken thighs are rich in iron and have a better flavour when cooked in stews and sauces.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 15 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 4

Yield: 4.0 dishes

• 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 10 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 red pepper, chopped
• 1 celery rib, minced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup no-salt-added diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon salt-free creole seasoning (like Creole Seasoning)
• 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 cup beer or 1 cup low-sodium tomato juice
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 2/3 cup pearl barley

Directions:

1. Heat half the olive oil in a pot over high heat. Add the chicken cubes and brown on all sides. Remove to a plate.
2. Heat remaining oil in the pot over medium high.
3. Add onions, peppers, celery and garlic and cook, stirring often, for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, Creole seasoning and liquid smoke, then add the beer, chicken stock, kale and barley and bring to a boil.
5. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 40 minutes.
6. Stir chicken back into the pot, re-cover and simmer another 15 minutes.